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Winners of the #okc20yearslater photo contest

Oklahoman
Published: April 28, 2013

#okc20yearslater.

Outlook editors asked you to submit photographs that somehow described what the future of the metro area would be like and to submit them via Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #okc20yearslater. You responded! We received more than 100 photos and many became finalists. We picked 10 top photographs in a blind judging. Thanks to Bedford Camera for the prizes. These are the winners and top finalists:

First place

“This photo was taken on December 31, 2012, downtown during a very foggy afternoon. It was taken with an iPhone 4S with the Camera+ app and edited with the Luminance and Diptic apps.

I entered this into the #okc20yearslater contest because the image to me represents the ‘Cloud City’ as in the ‘Star Wars’ storyline. In my eyes, Oklahoma has always been a dispersed landscape and recently with the addition of the Devon Tower, Oklahoma City has expanded skyward. Through the image I wanted to portray our city as one whose limits know no bounds.”

Runners-up

Winners of one of four $250 gift certificates to Bedford Camera:

“Lake Hefner” by Joe Buettner, Oklahoma City

“The picture said #okc20yearslater to me, because it shows a part of OKC not everyone sees. People think of the Chesapeake Arena and down town, but what goes overlooked are the small things that make Oklahoma City so beautiful. 20 years from now, I hope Oklahoma sticks to its humble ways of appreciating big city life while having a small town feel with Lake Hefner at the center of it.

“Skyscrapers” by Nick Marek, Oklahoma City

“The Oklahoma skyline hasn’t changed in many years until the Devon Tower was built towering over all else. I see Oklahoma as a place for opportunity and in 20 years I believe we will see more buildings similar to the Devon Tower representing the improvement of Oklahoma’s businesses.”

“In trying to capture the future likeness of OKC, I found it was easy to see the city’s vision in the ongoing and completed city projects.”

“Instacity” by Alaina Stevens, Yukon

“To me the First National Center is an example of the rich history in Oklahoma that should be preserved. With the trend of revitalization to many areas in the metro, this building represents the possibilities of restoration that could happen and why I think it says ‘#okc20yearslater.’ Holding on to our history (even historical locations) is important because it sets the foundation for our future.”

Top finalists

“Crossing” by Andrew Francis, Oklahoma City

“This says #OKC20yearslater to me because: I see a city with continued growth in residential districts and an emphasis on urban walkability.”

“Memorial at night” by Justin Moore, Oklahoma City

“This photo says #okc20yearslater to me for a couple reasons. First, this is my favorite place in the whole city (from a lifelong okc-er). The sheer magnitude of what it represents and the lives it represents just strike you when you’re there. You can literally feel the weight of that day when you stand next to the reflecting pool. Second, the bombing was a rallying point for the city. We proved to the country what good people are capable of. Since then, Oklahomans are looked to as people who will always help, no matter the circumstance. The memorial symbolizes something Oklahomans will still have 20 years from now — hospitality, good will, and hope.”